Malaysia builds bio-methionine plant for poultry feed

Korean based CJ and French chemical company Arkema have marked the start of construction of the first global unit for bio-methionine and the first platform of Thiochemicals Arkema in Asia.

After several years of study, work has started on the joint project on the Kerteh site, in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. The Prime Minister of Malaysia was in attendance to witness the start of construction.

Arkema will provide an essential raw material for the manufacture of CJ bio-methionine. The plant will have a production capacity of 80,000 tonnes of bio-methionine for poultry feed and 50,000 tonnes of sulphur derivatives for petrochemicals markets.

Arkema masters the manufacturing process of methyl mercaptan, an intermediate sulphur compound used in the production of methionine. For its part, CJ has developed an innovative industrial process of bio-fermentation and highly competitive to produce L-methionine from renewable raw materials.

The start of production is planned for late 2013. The project represents a total investment of about €450 million.